Ivan Figueroa-Otero

Iván Figueroa Otero M.D. FACS, FAAMA

After graduating from the School of Medicine of the University of PR in 1970, Dr. Figueroa Otero trained as General Surgeon at the University Hospital of the UPR School of Medicine, integrating a one-year fellowship in the study of cancer, and one year in experimental research. He completed post-graduate studies in Pediatric Surgery, then follow at Miami Children's Hospital and the San Juan Municipal Hospital.

Looking for non-surgical or less invasive options for pediatric conditions, Dr. Figueroa Otero explores Eastern philosophies that emphasize a holistic concept of disease. He was one of the first physicians to become certified in medical acupuncture in Puerto Rico, training in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture with professors from the University of Seville. Eventually he was certified in medical acupuncture nationally.

​In 2009, he became certified in anti-aging medicine and in December of that year he retired from the practice of pediatric surgery, focusing instead on a holistic medical practice and emphasizing disease prevention and modification of life styles. In 2011 he was invited to become a Trustee of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, which is the national body organization responsible for certifying physicians in the field of acupuncture through national exams. In that same year he was recognized by Natural Awakenings magazine as Holistic Physician of the Year.

Dr. Figueroa Otero is currently engaged in his private practice and continues in his role as an educator, trying to achieve full integration of traditional Chinese acupuncture courses in the curriculum of medical schools, promoting that physicians be certified both locally and nationally, and to establish clinical research protocols on the use of acupuncture in known conditions compared to the methodology established by modern medicine. Another immediate priority is to incorporate meditation techniques and their role in preventive and therapeutic medicine.

Spirituality 101 for the Dropouts of the School of Life

Spirituality

This book attends to the needs of "Dropouts" of the great Universal school of life, by making them feel important in the process of learning. In a light funny textbook format it guides the reader in a roller-coaster experience through the confusing ups and downs of religion-spirituality-science, which makes this ride very enjoyable. It guides the reader back in an inner journey to his real origins, where he finally finds the satiation of his endless search for things to mitigate his inner emptiness.

Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going?

We all have asked ourselves these questions, but few have sought the answers that truly make sense. Dr. Ivan Figueroa-Otero not only dares to answer them, but humbly presents a guide to understanding these and other questions about our spiritual nature, while closing the apparent gap between the religious and scientific vision with an eclectic and original delivery.

"I invite you to explore your soul in the infinite dimensional spirals of knowledge of the School of Life. I hope that the fruits of my failings help you to surpass your exams with fewer burdens and more joy."

ACCLAIM FOR SPIRITUALITY 101

"In this engaging, enormously readable debut work of nonfiction, Otero urges his readers to "delve deeper into the concept of life as a prison created by our own mind, " Its well-designed layout includes highlighted passages and eye-catching marginal illustrations. The author presents many explanations with a wry, tongue-in-cheek bemusement." —Kirkus Book Review

"Spirituality 101 is a book for people that want to have a better understanding of the world they live in. It is a book about life and how us humans can reconcile the apparent discrepancies in trying to understand life through either science or religion. No matter your religious beliefs, this book teaches you how to live la balanced life within this existential paradox. The author arrives at this reconciliation with school lessons formats to be applied in The School Of Life." —Samantha Rivera, Reader's Favorite

"Ivan Figueroa-Otero, MD writes a compelling book about living in a spiritual world that is so easy to understand that it becomes elegant in its simplicity."—Joslyn Wolfe, Focus on Women Magazine

"An immediate best-seller and with great reader's reviews, the book is a Finalist in the 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards. 'Your book truly embodies the excellence that this award was created to celebrate, and we salute you and your fine work.'" —National Indie Review

A comment by a reader: "I met you at one of the most difficult lessons of my life, and I saw in you a true Warrior of the Light, a Winner. Now every time I remember, my heart congratulates you and thanks you. God bless you always."

Spirituality 1.2 For the Disconnected From the School of Life (A Review for Tekkies)

Spirituality, Mind-Body-Spirit

FINALIST - 2015 IAN Book of the Year Awards

Can our spirituality be explained through the use of technology? In his first book, Spirituality 101, Dr. Iván Figueroa-Otero presents a guide to self-understanding while closing the apparent gap between the religious and scientific vision with an eclectic and original delivery. This version (1.2) is a deliciously funny, tongue-in-cheek update, where every concept, idea, image and advice is carefully defined with technological elements like virtual domains, bits, and RAM. Here, the questions, Who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? the human race has been studying for centuries are explained in a way accessible to anyone with a smartphone or a computer. "Imagine our Universe as a big computer, where the quality of its computation is directly proportional to the quality of the input data. And where every programming error is reversible and re-programmable, with a little bit of patience!" Iván Figueroa-Otero, MD FACS

ACCLAIM FOR SPIRITUALITY 1.2

"In Spirituality 1.2, Dr. Figueroa talks about a wonderful web of ideas that unfolds into an organized guide through "the Cyber Network" of one's life.More importantly, Spirituality 1.2 is highly insightful and offers its readers a unique perspective. While meant to reach out to younger audiences. It will not come as a surprise if the effects of his book become far reaching in the spirituality category...Dr. Figueroa-Otero has done it again - after the success of his self-published first book, Spirituality 101, he has updated his concepts in Spirituality 1.2. This time intended for the "tekkie"generation, Figueroa brilliantly bridges spirituality with science, using technological terminology as metaphors to philosophical and scientific concepts that are at times quite huge to grasp altogether. His playful presentation (such as his tongue-in-cheek explanations, tests, reviews and final exam) easily opens up readers to better comprehension." —Maria Beltran, Readers' Favorite

"If I had to describe this book in one sentence it would be: what a hoot! This was so much fun to read because the author's unique perspective on an overwritten topic. Dr. Figueroa makes everything easy to understand, and delivers it in a fresh way that I believe will resonate with multiple age groups. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is in love with their technology, and who is interested in the deeper questions in life. This is a riot of a read that I think you will thoroughly enjoy. I'm curious to see what the author will think of next!" —Samantha Coville, Readers' Choice

"It is well written, colorful and eye-catching. Breathe deep, settle into a quiet space, and open your heart and mind so that you may absorb and comprehend the complex ideas, computer jargon, and unique spiritual terminology. Spirituality 1.2 is a book like none other. Figueroa-Otero shares a rare opportunity on how to connect to and deepen your spirituality from a very modern perspective." —Janelle Alex, Ph.D., Readers' Favorite (4 Stars)

"There are some questions that never age. Curiosity about our origins, our purpose in life, and our final destination has always piqued the interest of everyone. In Spirituality 1.2 For The Disconnected From The School Of Life, Dr. Figueroa presents his thoughts and opinions on these intriguing questions with language that our modern, technology focused world can grasp. Comparing life to computers and online socializing, Dr. Figueroa presents a funny look at serious subjects, making the adventure to self-actualization that much more enjoyable." —Samantha Coville, Readers' Favorite

A battle between the light of your knowledge and the shadows of your ignorance is happening as you read this cover. Your warrior of light is receiving wounds that cause your life's suffering.

Do you want to give your internal warrior the best weapons to reach victory?

In this book, the third in the School of Life trilogy, Dr. Figueroa-Otero helps us discover our mind's magical mirror, where this epic battle determines where we are in the road to return to our light source. You will learn about your spiritual DNA, emotions, and where to find the healing code for our emotional scars--forgiveness.